beta-Amyloid (Abeta) polypeptide plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by progressive decline of cognitive functions, formation of Abeta deposits and neurofibrillary tangles, and loss of neurons. Increased genetic production or direct intracerebral administration of Abeta in animal models results in Abeta deposition, gliosis, and impaired cognitive functions. Whether aging renders the brain prone to Abeta and whether inflammation is required for Abeta-induced learning deficits is unclear. We show that intraventricular infusion of Abeta1-42 results in learning deficits in 9-month-old but not 2.5-month-old mice. Deficits that become detectable 12 weeks after the infusion are associated with a slight reduction in Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase activity but do not correlate with Abeta deposition and are not associated with gliosis. In rats, Abeta infusion induced learning deficits that were detectable 6 months after the infusion. Approximately 20% of the Abeta immunoreactivity in rats was associated with astrocytes. NMR spectrum analysis of the animals cerebrospinal fluid revealed a strong reduction trend in several metabolites in Abeta-infused rats, including lactate and myo-inositol, supporting the idea of dysfunctional astrocytes. Even a subtle increase in brain Abeta1-42 concentration may disrupt normal metabolism of astrocytes, resulting in altered neuronal functions and age-related development of learning deficits independent of Abeta deposition and inflammation.
- MeSH
- amyloidní beta-protein aplikace a dávkování farmakologie MeSH
- bludiště - učení účinky léků MeSH
- intravenózní infuze MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- magnetická rezonanční spektroskopie MeSH
- mozek cytologie enzymologie patologie MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
- myši MeSH
- peptidové fragmenty aplikace a dávkování farmakologie MeSH
- poruchy učení chemicky indukované metabolismus MeSH
- potkani inbrední SHR MeSH
- stárnutí fyziologie MeSH
- zánět metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
